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20 OUR LIFE • September-October 2026 ДІЯЛЬНІСТЬ ВІДДІЛІВ І ЧЛЕНКИНЬ • BRANCH & MEMBER NEWS Celebrating the Pysanka: Member-at-Large Pysanka Workshop On March 22 at St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, parishioners and guests had an opportunity to learn the art of creating a Ukrainian pysanka. The presentation was organized by Lorraine Fedorchak Krak - er at the initiative of UNWLA Member-at-Large Maria Holian. Lorraine learned the art of creating pysanky at an early age from her grandmother, Mary Zrolka, and her mother, Eleanor. Her uncle Nicholas Zrolka was an artist who often presented his paintings as wedding gifts. Lorraine’s sister, Diane, is also an artist who shares her art with many people. The word pysanka comes from the verb pysaty , which means to write . Each pysanka sends a blessing to the person receiving it as a gift — for example, a priest, parents, family members, and friends. For the presentation, Lorraine set up all the materials needed to make a pysanka, including dyes, beeswax, candles to melt and remove the beeswax, kistkas, pencils, and two prepared chicken eggs for each participant. After brief instructions from Lorraine, everyone created their own art on their eggs. Each pysanka presents a special concept: a chicken design represents fertility, a spider represents good luck, wheat rep - resents harvest, a round shape represents eternity, an egg with a ladder represents spiritual growth and is often placed in the casket of the departed, and a triangle represents the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Lorraine states, “The mystery of the egg is in its soul, and it decides which design it will accept. You need a clear, relaxed mind. Make a pysanka with peace. The pysanka will push evil away.” Many participants personalized their pysanky. One young lady made her pysanka in honor of her grandfather who lived in Chornobyl, painting the pysanka with the word Chornobyl, a pink heart, yellow stars, and white diamonds. Another de - signed her pysanka with a bow and a cross in honor of Easter. Many women remembered their grandparents or sisters who made pysanky. Some participants decided to create a new pat - tern and have a new challenge. For others, it was an opportu - nity to relax. Lorraine dyed the eggs in colors chosen by the artists. As I watched the artists making their pysanky, I saw calmness and peace grow. Their ability to concentrate and create a design strengthened. The design expressed their ability to present the beauty of nature. This pushes evil away, promoting peace which will pass on to everyone they meet. May the pysanka reach all people. Photos courtesy Natalia Fedchyk. Instructor Lorraine Fedorchak Kraker with pastor Rev. Roman Fedchyk looking on. Girls create their pysanky. Maria Hordynskyj Holian , Member-at-Large
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